Tony Barber Music - Piano Tuition in Ponteland

Music has played an important part in my life since primary school days. At first I learnt organ, - the electronic organ was having its heyday and I was fully involved. As a young teenager I would demonstrate these instruments for local retailers at 'road show' events throughout Northern Ireland. A major highlight was performing at a public concert in the Ulster Hall, Belfast, along with organ legend Reginald Dixon (of Tower Ballroom Blackpool, Wurlitzer fame) when I was only 14 years of age. At the same time I was progressing with my formal music education both at school (A-Level Music), and with private tutors on both classical organ & piano. I successfully passed ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music) Grade 8 at the age of 17, and later went on to earn 'merit' in a Guildhall School of Music Performance Exam. I have held the post of organist and choirmaster at churches in Northern Ireland and here in the North East. I have also provided entertainment (Organ & Drums Duo) at functions and dinner dances, and performed on both Radio & TV. My teaching experience spans 30+ years, and to help me continue progressing in my understanding of latest teaching ideas I've attended a number of ABRSM professional development sessions, and completed their highly respected and accredited Teaching Music Effectively course. I also participated in a two day Music Teacher Conference entitled Nurturing potential, Encouraging success. And, in association with Music Mark, attended Musical Progression and the role of assessment sessions to keep my skills right up to date.